The Office of the Children's Commissioner was established by the Children Act 2004. According to the act's explanatory notes, its purpose is "to ensure a voice for children and young people at national level".
The first children's commissioner for England, Sir Al Aynsley-Green, was appointed in March 2005 and will step down in February 2010. It was recently announced that Maggie Atkinson, a director of children's services, will be the new commissioner for England. Her appointment has sparked debate about the role, its independence and, in particular, her willingness to challenge the government on critical issues.
Last month, Dr Atkinson faced questions from the cross-party Children, Schools and Families Select Committee. She said she saw her role as one of "influencing, persuading, evidence-presenting and expressing the voice of the child and young person", rather than being a champion of their rights.
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